Purpose: To investigate the epidemiology of gun-related injuries in the pediatric population.
Methods: A retrospective chart review using the trauma registry of a regional pediatric trauma center.
Results: 177 patients suffered gun injuries in the 8 year study period, and 18 (10%) died. 144 (81%) of the patients were male and 33 (19%) were female, and their ages ranged from less than 1 to 18 years, but the majority (56%) were between 10 and 15. The weapon was a BB gun in 38%, handgun in 36%, or a shotgun in 12%. 51% of shootings were reportedly unintentional. 67% of victims knew the perpetrator, and 26% were related. 51% of victims were shot in their own homes, and an additional 20% were injured at another residence. Only 7% were shot in a public area, and 7% were shot “in the street.” In the most densely populated county, 2 contiguous zip codes accounted for 30% of injuries but comprise only 3% of the population. 4 contiguous zip codes accounted for over half the injuries (52%) but only 10% of the county’s population. 90% of children were injured in their home zip code.
Conclusion: Social policies designed to reduce youth “street violence” (such as curfews) are unlikely to reduce pediatric gun injuries and deaths, because most victims are injured at home or a nearby residence by someone they know. Injury prevention programs must target the specific geographic areas where the most injuries occur.
Learning Objectives: 1. List the most common types of weapons involved in pediatric gun injuries. 2. Identify where pediatric gun injuries occur. 3. Assess the effectiveness of pediatric gun injury interventions
Keywords: Pediatrics, Injury Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: TraumaBase - software vendor for trauma registry
Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH) - where study occured
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.